Compostable Certifications – Why Do They Matter?

Do you recognise the compostable symbols, but still not know how to dispose of the product?

Have you ever wondered how products prove their compostable claims are true?

Or perhaps you’re wondering how companies get the rights to use the compostable logo?

Truth is, compostable logos aren’t always used properly and some compostable claims are misleading or just plain greenwashing.

Thankfully, there’s a key trademark you should look for to know the truth – The Certified Compostable Logo verified by European Bioplastics.

What Do the Certified Compostable Logos Mean?

Certified Compostable Logos prove compostable products are what they claim to be.

It means they’ve undergone a stringent test regime to become certified home or industrially compostable to European standards taking into account the time and conditions in which compostable products break down. But it’s more than a logo, it’s a registered trademark owned by European Bioplastics – an association representing the interests of the bioplastics industry in Europe.

Understanding Certified Compostable Logos and How To Read Them

In Europe, there are two types of compostable standards under European Bioplastics: Home (NFT51-800) and Industrial (EN13432).

To check if a product is certified, look for one of these two logos AND the company’s sub-licence number stated underneath.

Industrially Compostable Logo (EN13432)

Products with this logo are certified industrially compostable to European standards. This means they can be sent to a commercial composting facility to rapidly biodegrade under controlled conditions, like specific temperature, moisture and carbon levels.

Because of the controlled settings, a commercial compost rapidly breaks down organic materials. This also means you can compost a broader range of materials and products.

Home Compostable Logo (NFT51-800)

Products with this logo are certified home compostable to European standards.

This means they can be thrown into your backyard compost along with food scraps, grass clippings, leaves and other organic matter.

They’ll break down over several months, sometimes years. Products typically take longer to biodegrade in a home compost because the conditions aren’t as controlled.

Where To Dispose of Packaging With the Certified Compostable Logo

Industrially Compostable (EN13432)

If you’re a business in London or Birmingham, you can find out if there’s a local commercial compost service in your area. Compost Connect is powered by our partnership with Zap Waste and First Mile, and looking to onboard more composters to make this service available throughout the UK. Watch this space.
If you’re a business, you can install an on-site composting unit.
If there are no industrial compost facilities available, the last option is to place it in your regular waste. While this isn’t ideal, it’s still better than the alternative (single-use plastic made from fossil fuels going to landfill).

Home Compostable (NFT51-800)

Your backyard compost

Why Does The Certified Compostable Logo Matter?

Any product or company can claim they’re certified compostable but these claims don’t mean anything without proof. Under European Bioplastics, products have to go through stringent test regimes to get their stamp of approval.

The process of gaining compost certification can be time-consuming and costly, but the use of the correct logo shows a brand commitment to doing the right thing. This is why we – as consumers – should always trust and support products showing the correct logos.

By understanding the seedling logo or home compostable logo (and spotting any false claims that fall outside of this) consumers can help take a stand against greenwashing and encourage manufacturers to be honest and transparent. The more products we have displaying the certified compostable packaging logo, the better.

Look Out for Greenwashing
– Incorrectly Used Compostable Logos

You can see in this example, a company has made their own ‘certified compostable logo.’ This is greenwashing and not verified by European Bioplastics.

You can see in this example, the company has used the industrially compostable logo but doesn’t have a certification number beneath it. This makes it unclear for the consumer on how to correctly dispose of the product.

You can see in this example, the company has used the seedling logo and the certification number. However, there’s no company licence number beneath it. This makes it hard to know whether they’re actually certified.

The big problem: products that mimic compostable packaging but aren’t properly certified can contaminate compost.

In industrial settings, it’s difficult for composters to differentiate and remove the non-compostables – which means they might end up taking ALL packaging out – even certified compostable products made by companies committed to doing the right thing.

In your home compost, you might dispose of these non-compostable greenwashing products and they won’t degrade properly, having negative effects on your compost bin.

This is why we should all support products with the correctly used certified compostable logo.

What About Biodegradable Certifications?

Everything ‘biodegrades’ eventually – it could take days, weeks or hundred years. That’s why ‘biodegradable’ is a contentious claim not trusted by the organics recycling industry, unless it’s backed up by the European Certified Compostable logo.

If a product is labelled as ‘biodegradable’ without a certification, it isn’t verified to degrade within a specific timeframe, so it should be disposed of in the general waste bin.

What’s Involved in European Bioplastics Compostable Certification?

The process of gaining a certified compostable logo can be time-consuming and costly. This is why we – as consumers – should always trust and support products showing the correct logos.

TÜV Rheinland Group and DIN CERTCO are both certification bodies authorised by European Bioplastics. This means they can award the compostable logos to compliant compostable products.

Here’s an example of the strict standards that must be met for a product to be certified industrially compostable to European standards (EN13432):

Compostable plastics to disintegrate after 12 weeks and completely biodegrade after six months
No toxic effect on plants
No hazardous substances (like heavy metals) present above the maximum allowed levels
Containing more than 50% organic materials
Chemicals PFOA & PFAS not to be intentionally added to the material or product

Compostable Logo FAQS

How can I check whether a product is certified compostable?

If you’re in Europe, you can check whether a product is certified compostable via DinCertco and Tuv Austria.

In Australia and New Zealand, there’s only one source to determine this, The Australasian BioPlastics Association. Their website has a full list of all companies and products that are certified. If a product is not on this list, it’s not certified compostable in Australia. Remember, to ‘adhere’ or ‘meet the criteria’ to compostability standards is not the same as being certified.

If you’re in North America, you can check whether a product is certified compostable via BPI.

Are products containing PFAS compostable?

Products containing added PFAS cannot be certified to home and industrial standards.

Does a home compostable certification (NFT51-800) mean you can throw it in your backyard compost?

Yes. If a product is certified home compostable to European standards (NFT51-800) you can throw it in your backyard compost (unless it’s heavily contaminated with meteor diary). This certification can be verified by European Bioplastics.

What happens if you throw certified compostable products into landfill?

In a perfect world, all compostable products would end up in a commercial or home compost. But we know that’s not always the case. Sending organic matter to landfill emits methane, contributing to Greenhouse Gas emissions and climate change.

In saying that, compostable packaging going to landfill is still better than the alternative: traditional plastic packaging going to landfill. Why? Because traditional plastic packaging is made from finite fossil-based resources, whereas compostable packaging is made from rapidly renewable, plant-based resources.

What about compostable certifications in other countries?

Other countries may have their own verification programs, like the certified compostable logo by the Australasian Bioplastics Association in Australia and the BPI compostable certification in North America. It’s important to note, the European standards are considered to be trustworthy throughout many regions in Asia – including Hong Kong and Singapore.

What is the TUV compostable certification?

TUV Austria (formerly Vincotte) isn’t a certification logo, but a certification body authorised by European Bioplastics. This means they can award the seedling logo and OK compost logo to compliant compostable products (EN13432).

What is the OK compostable certification?

An OK compostable certification is from TUV Austria (authorised by European Bioplastics). Products featuring the OK compost INDUSTRIAL or the OK compost HOME certifications comply with the European Bioplastics requirements for compostable products. This certification is a reliable source of truth for consumers.

What is the BPI compostable certification?

BPI is the leading authority on compostable products and packaging in North America. BPI certified products meet ASTM standards (American Society for Testing and Materials). The BPI certification is a mark consumers can trust.

How can I encourage my local council to compost?

We know, waiting for widespread change on a government level can be frustrating. Start by writing a letter to your local MP or sign our petition.

Compostable Certifications – Why Do They Matter?

What Do the Certified Compostable Logos Mean?